Two senior ex-regional press journalists are joining forces to run a series of workshops on how to make money from hyperlocal print products.

Steve Dyson, former editor of the Birmingham Mail, and Richard Coulter, a former Bristol Evening Post assistant editor who now runs a paper called filtonvoice, are teaming up in a new venture called the Local Press Network.

Also joining them is Emma Cooper, a former head of advertising at the BEP, who has just launched another hyperlocal print title in Bristol, keynshamvoice.

Together they hope to show other journalists how to create, run and make money from their own hyperlocal newspapers.

The series of workshops, called ‘Going Hyperlocal,’ will kick-off on 21 June in Filton, Bristol.

Would-be newspaper entrepreneurs will be charged £299 per session but the trio say they could recoup this cost within a month through savings on print, websites and other add-ons.

Said Steve:  “When Richard contacted me about filtonvoice, it immediately felt like a successful structure that could be replicated elsewhere.

“Using hand-on experience, we are now developing an intensive, interactive workshop day to show others exactly how to do it, with a valuable toolbox for anyone who wants to launch, edit and make a living from their own hyperlocal newspaper.”

Richard added:  “There are a lot of negative vibes about the printed press, and much excitement about hyperlocal websites – but revenues in both are either declining or miniscule.

“What I’ve discovered is that there’s a healthy editorial and commercial appetite for a clever combination of the two – hyperlocal print products.

After the workshop day, delegates will also be able to join the Local Press Network, which will offer a variety of services like production, printing, book-keeping, website development and national advertising  should any ongoing assistance be needed.

To book a course space, contact Emma Cooper on 07715 770448 or [email protected]